Adding mandarin ~ questions.

[Desperado]

Hey, I have a 120 gal Aquarium with a decent amount of LR. was thinking of adding a mandarin. The aquarium has been established for about 9 years. However, I have had a 6 line wrasse which I'm sure has enjoyed pods even though she's well fed. My aquarium does have a 30 gal sump which i probably should set up a refugium in there.

Although I'm not new to aquariums I never have set up a refugium in my sump. Any tips?

Also I've heard great things about reef2reef.com pods. I went ahead and ordered 2000. I would like to think I have a few in my tank but I figured I might as well add some.

My clowns are almost 15 yrs old so this tank is fairly established. I know you never know, but hoping I could add a mandarin.

Thanks for any tips!!!! Much appreciated!!!!

Here's a pic of my aquarium.

 

[Humblefish]

Honestly, I would remove the sixline before adding a mandy. Mandarins have insatiable appetites, so you don't want any competition for pods.

 

[Daniel@R2R]

I have a mandarin and 2 melanarus wrasses in my 180 with no issues. If you've got plenty of pods, I don't think it's a difficulty. Certainly adding a fuge would help, but I think you have enough rock that you're probably ok to try it.

 

[airin]

You should be fine. I have a 180 with a super fat mandrin and a mystery wrasse. Add a new and rinsed shower puff in your fuge and shake it out into the tank once every couple weeks and you will see plenty of pods going into the tank. =)

 

[Desperado]

Ok thanks for the tips!!!!

 

[Pete polyp]

Honestly, I would remove the sixline before adding a mandy. Mandarins have insatiable appetites, so you don't want any competition for pods.

I agree with this. Six line will definitely put a dent in a pod population

 

[gidenski]

I agree with this. Six line will definitely put a dent in a pod population

I have a 6 line and a mandarin in the same tank. After about 3 months, the 6 line finally started leaving the mandarin alone. Food seems to be fine for the two without a refugium, but I would still remove the 6 line.